Visit some of our local (Hillsborough and Polk County) plant producers anytime from wherever you can view the web. Here is just a sampling of some of the folks who add value to and beautify our community with the products that they grow. You can view the interactive map and click on the links to the tour stop locations that we have. http://tiny.cc/nursvirtour
We begin at the Extension office (tour stop A) for an overview of the tour. Our next stops will be at Sunshine Growers, Tampa Wholesale Nursery, 3 Pines Tree Farm, Wood's Tree Farm, and Council Farms who were gracious enough to be hosts on this virtual nursery tour. Click on the map link and the videos and enjoy your tour!
12/17/13
New CEU for You!
Here is another free, industry supported, UF/IFAS Hillsborough/Polk County Extension online pesticide CEU available to keep your pesticide licenses current. The article Unintended Herbicide Effects discusses how herbicides can move off target and negatively impact the environment. If you'd like to get a CEU credit, read the article and then click on the link at the bottom to take the quiz for credit. CEUs available=1 PRVT, 1 L&O, 1 CL&O, 1 LCCLM, or 1 LCL&O
Unintended Herbicide Effects
by Juanita Popenoe
Herbicides are something that almost everyone uses. Why hand weed when you can just spray? If you select the right chemical, you may not have to come back to control weeds for quite a while. What could be easier? Herbicides kill target weeds by extreme phytotoxicity, a big word for injury to plants due to chemical exposure. Herbicides are designed to do this. There are many perhaps unexpected ways that herbicides can have unintended effects on non-target plants, whether through drift, leaching, runoff, persistence, or residue.
Knowledge of the chemicals being used and a thorough reading of the label are required to avoid contamination of our environment. Most pesticide applicators realize that spray drift is a very common, and easily controlled cause of non-target exposure. Drift occurs when small droplets of pesticide are carried off-site by air movement. By applying when wind speeds are low (under ten miles per hour) and using larger droplet size or drift-reduction agents an applicator should be able to avoid this type of unintended consequence. If the target plant is a large tree, shrub or vine in a tree, you should not be applying herbicide as a liquid spray up into the air. The chances of drift to non-target plants is too great for this type of application. An alternative method such as hack and squirt, cut stump, or basal application technique should be used.
Because pre-emergent herbicides are directed at the ground and are intended to cover the soil surface, stick to the surface and form a barrier layer. They are formulated to spread out with a small amount of irrigation, and not move down through the soil into our ground water. Too much water and they may be washed away. Also, if the surface is mulch or loose soil, applied herbicides may be adsorbed, or bound to the particles, and carried away on the mulch or soil particles washed away by heavy rains. This could be termed runoff, even though it is not the pesticide in the rain water itself being washed away to non-target areas, but the pesticide on a carrier particle. Pre-emergent herbicides are more efficiently applied beneath a mulch, although you may get weeds starting up in the mulch.
Other types of herbicides may be very soluble and not be adsorbed to soil particles. Herbicides formulated to be easily taken up by the roots of plants usually do not bind to the soil surface. These types of herbicides may very easily move into the ground water with heavy rains or irrigation. They may be easily washed down or off site and impact non-target organisms. Again, the label is your friend as well as the law. The label will tell you when to be aware of these types of hazards. You would think persistent herbicides would be a great way to save money on applications. Persistent means that the herbicide remains present and active in its original form for an extended time before breaking down. Chemistry that allows a pesticide to be persistent is not that common, so we have few really persistent herbicides, and that may be a good thing.
Landscapes and plants change with time as any living thing will, and the use, design or layout of the plants will also change with time. I have had a landscaper come to me with a problem caused by using a persistent herbicide in what was a landscaped area that the owner wanted to change over to a vegetable garden. The vegetables just would not grow and the answer was in the history of the site. Another example involves a nursery grower who thought to cut down on his labor by applying imazapyr, a very persistent herbicide, to the ground cloth around his nursery pots. This was a completely off-label use; in other words, illegal. The herbicide did not bind to the ground cloth and when a heavy rain event occurred, the herbicide was washed up into the pots and taken up by the plant roots, causing all the plants to be stunted. They never grew out. Read the label of the herbicide carefully and be sure to think of potential future impacts. Even right of way applicators don’t necessarily want a barren desert for years. Persistent herbicides bound to soil particles or mulch, or unattached to anything, can wash away to a non-target site and cause a catastrophe.
Most herbicides are not persistent and break down under normal environmental conditions, either through microbial, chemical or photo degradation within a few days. Glyphosate is one herbicide that does not last in the environment for very long, however once inside the plant it is another story. Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide that is taken up by the plant and translocated throughout the plant. We used to say that if it got on anything green, it would be taken up. More recent research indicates that it will go through thin or pigmented bark as well, especially if it is combined with a surfactant to increase penetration. This is a very effective type of herbicide because you do not have to get good coverage of the weed to have an effect. However, this characteristic also makes it very dangerous for drift accidents. Another contributing cause to accidents is that many landscape plants seem to be unaffected by low rates of glyphosate, and applicators often spray over “resistant” plants to get at the weeds around them. Research now shows that woody plants will take up sub-lethal doses and store glyphosate in the roots for years. It may take two years for the symptoms of the sub-lethal doses to appear. Symptoms of sub-lethal doses of glyphosate include: stunting, bark cracking or splitting, loss of apical dominance, individual dead limbs, chlorosis and death. This is a great example of unintended consequences of herbicide use and a reason to keep up with the latest in research.
Another example of off target herbicide effects is found with residue from some herbicides. Aminopyralid, clopyralid, fluroxypyr, picloram, and triclopyr are all in a class of herbicides registered for use on pasture, grain crops, nonresidential lawns, certain vegetables and fruits, and roadsides. They kill a range of broadleaf weeds including some that are toxic to livestock. Livestock can eat the grass from treated pastures with no effect and no effect to humans eating meat from these livestock. However, these herbicides pass through the livestock and remain as residue in the manure and urine. The residues also remain on the pasture, hay and cut grass. Compost made from the manure, hay or grass clippings also retains the residue, which may take years to break down, depending on conditions. It has been well documented that gardeners using this compost or manure in their gardens reported poor seed germination, death of young plants, twisted/deformed leaves, and reduced yields. Beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, potatoes and eggplants are all plants sensitive to the residue in the compost.
Applicators need to be aware of the possible consequences of herbicide treatments and the possible future impacts. Unintended herbicide effects on non-target plants can be caused by something as simple as drift to something as complicated as compost from manure from a cow that had eaten in a treated field. As a pesticide applicator you have a responsibility to ensure that you have as little impact on the environment as possible beyond the intended application. Careful reading of the label and application practices should limit the unintended consequences without impacting the desired results.
Click here to take the quiz for a pesticide CEU credit. http://tiny.cc/Un-herb-effects
Unintended Herbicide Effects
by Juanita Popenoe
Herbicides are something that almost everyone uses. Why hand weed when you can just spray? If you select the right chemical, you may not have to come back to control weeds for quite a while. What could be easier? Herbicides kill target weeds by extreme phytotoxicity, a big word for injury to plants due to chemical exposure. Herbicides are designed to do this. There are many perhaps unexpected ways that herbicides can have unintended effects on non-target plants, whether through drift, leaching, runoff, persistence, or residue.
Knowledge of the chemicals being used and a thorough reading of the label are required to avoid contamination of our environment. Most pesticide applicators realize that spray drift is a very common, and easily controlled cause of non-target exposure. Drift occurs when small droplets of pesticide are carried off-site by air movement. By applying when wind speeds are low (under ten miles per hour) and using larger droplet size or drift-reduction agents an applicator should be able to avoid this type of unintended consequence. If the target plant is a large tree, shrub or vine in a tree, you should not be applying herbicide as a liquid spray up into the air. The chances of drift to non-target plants is too great for this type of application. An alternative method such as hack and squirt, cut stump, or basal application technique should be used.
Because pre-emergent herbicides are directed at the ground and are intended to cover the soil surface, stick to the surface and form a barrier layer. They are formulated to spread out with a small amount of irrigation, and not move down through the soil into our ground water. Too much water and they may be washed away. Also, if the surface is mulch or loose soil, applied herbicides may be adsorbed, or bound to the particles, and carried away on the mulch or soil particles washed away by heavy rains. This could be termed runoff, even though it is not the pesticide in the rain water itself being washed away to non-target areas, but the pesticide on a carrier particle. Pre-emergent herbicides are more efficiently applied beneath a mulch, although you may get weeds starting up in the mulch.
Other types of herbicides may be very soluble and not be adsorbed to soil particles. Herbicides formulated to be easily taken up by the roots of plants usually do not bind to the soil surface. These types of herbicides may very easily move into the ground water with heavy rains or irrigation. They may be easily washed down or off site and impact non-target organisms. Again, the label is your friend as well as the law. The label will tell you when to be aware of these types of hazards. You would think persistent herbicides would be a great way to save money on applications. Persistent means that the herbicide remains present and active in its original form for an extended time before breaking down. Chemistry that allows a pesticide to be persistent is not that common, so we have few really persistent herbicides, and that may be a good thing.
Landscapes and plants change with time as any living thing will, and the use, design or layout of the plants will also change with time. I have had a landscaper come to me with a problem caused by using a persistent herbicide in what was a landscaped area that the owner wanted to change over to a vegetable garden. The vegetables just would not grow and the answer was in the history of the site. Another example involves a nursery grower who thought to cut down on his labor by applying imazapyr, a very persistent herbicide, to the ground cloth around his nursery pots. This was a completely off-label use; in other words, illegal. The herbicide did not bind to the ground cloth and when a heavy rain event occurred, the herbicide was washed up into the pots and taken up by the plant roots, causing all the plants to be stunted. They never grew out. Read the label of the herbicide carefully and be sure to think of potential future impacts. Even right of way applicators don’t necessarily want a barren desert for years. Persistent herbicides bound to soil particles or mulch, or unattached to anything, can wash away to a non-target site and cause a catastrophe.
Most herbicides are not persistent and break down under normal environmental conditions, either through microbial, chemical or photo degradation within a few days. Glyphosate is one herbicide that does not last in the environment for very long, however once inside the plant it is another story. Glyphosate is a systemic herbicide that is taken up by the plant and translocated throughout the plant. We used to say that if it got on anything green, it would be taken up. More recent research indicates that it will go through thin or pigmented bark as well, especially if it is combined with a surfactant to increase penetration. This is a very effective type of herbicide because you do not have to get good coverage of the weed to have an effect. However, this characteristic also makes it very dangerous for drift accidents. Another contributing cause to accidents is that many landscape plants seem to be unaffected by low rates of glyphosate, and applicators often spray over “resistant” plants to get at the weeds around them. Research now shows that woody plants will take up sub-lethal doses and store glyphosate in the roots for years. It may take two years for the symptoms of the sub-lethal doses to appear. Symptoms of sub-lethal doses of glyphosate include: stunting, bark cracking or splitting, loss of apical dominance, individual dead limbs, chlorosis and death. This is a great example of unintended consequences of herbicide use and a reason to keep up with the latest in research.
Another example of off target herbicide effects is found with residue from some herbicides. Aminopyralid, clopyralid, fluroxypyr, picloram, and triclopyr are all in a class of herbicides registered for use on pasture, grain crops, nonresidential lawns, certain vegetables and fruits, and roadsides. They kill a range of broadleaf weeds including some that are toxic to livestock. Livestock can eat the grass from treated pastures with no effect and no effect to humans eating meat from these livestock. However, these herbicides pass through the livestock and remain as residue in the manure and urine. The residues also remain on the pasture, hay and cut grass. Compost made from the manure, hay or grass clippings also retains the residue, which may take years to break down, depending on conditions. It has been well documented that gardeners using this compost or manure in their gardens reported poor seed germination, death of young plants, twisted/deformed leaves, and reduced yields. Beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, potatoes and eggplants are all plants sensitive to the residue in the compost.
Applicators need to be aware of the possible consequences of herbicide treatments and the possible future impacts. Unintended herbicide effects on non-target plants can be caused by something as simple as drift to something as complicated as compost from manure from a cow that had eaten in a treated field. As a pesticide applicator you have a responsibility to ensure that you have as little impact on the environment as possible beyond the intended application. Careful reading of the label and application practices should limit the unintended consequences without impacting the desired results.
Click here to take the quiz for a pesticide CEU credit. http://tiny.cc/Un-herb-effects
12/16/13
USF Looking for Growers for Fresh Market
USF is looking for individuals who do not necessarily have to be farmers. Maybe even a backyard gardener or someone who specializes in something, just anyone who might be interested in selling at their market. They would prefer organic but will take conventional to grow the market as long as it is not wholesale or resale produce. They are also trying to educate the USF community on what is in season and the health benefits of what they are selling. They also will sell plants, flowers, herbs and some packaged items. Right now the university has strict rules on anything homemade related to food but they can sell jams, jellies, (one lady sells salsa) as long as it is not in containers or plastic baggies (with the exception of dried herbs). They can sell baked goods but they must be things like artisan breads. They are not wanting to sell anything that is processed, so no cookies, cakes, etc. There is a small application that they can discuss with the farmer.
The market date will be Thursday January 30th from 11-3pm with set up starting at 10am. Tabling fee is $10.00 and parking is $5.00. They will consider discussing consignment for someone who has an interest but cannot table themselves.
As always Farmers don't have to commit to any specific market They call everyone each month and see what they want to do. So farmers can come in and out as they please, there is no obligation. They also try and visit the farm/property of the person that is selling to see how they operate and what they do.
If you would like more information pleas contact Colleen Mulkahey cmulcahe@mail.usf.edu | 813-952-7769 | fb.com/farmusf
Disaster Relief for Polk County Nurseries
For nurseries in Polk County that may have experienced adverse economic injury from the spring drought, the following announcement may be important.
Secretary of Agriculture Declaration Deadline Approaching
in Florida for SBA Working Capital Loans
ATLANTA - The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes that Jan. 2, 2014 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans in Florida as a result of the drought between March 5 and April 29, 2013.
The loans are available in the following counties: Alachua, Brevard, Citrus, Flagler, Lake, Levy, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. With the exception of aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.
The loans are for working capital and can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 4 percent for eligible small businesses and 2.875 percent for non-profit organizations, and terms up to
30 years.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than January 2, 2014.
12/3/13
Preemergent Herbicide Demonstration Plots and Workshop
Only a few days left to sign up to look at the Herbicide Demonstration Plots and Herbicide Workshop for Ornamental Growers. Are your preemergent herbicides working the way they should? Are they controlling the weeds that you have? Come out to the Extension Office to see 20 different herbicides applied at 30 and 60 days prior to the workshop and how well they stand up against the weed pressure. This will be a hands on weed identification, control, calibration and preemergent herbicide demonstration for ornamental plant growers. Attendees will be treated to a lunch and up to 1 Core and 2 PVT, 2 L&O, 2 LL&O, 2 LCLM, 2 O&T Pesticide CEUs. Attendees may bring weeds for ID as well. Attendees must purchase tickets in advance for $35.00 or call Shawn Steed 813-744-5519 ext 54147. If you are a TBWG member tickets are $15.00. There will be no same day registrations due to space constraints. If you have any special needs please notify the Hillsborough County Extension Office 813-744-5519. An agenda is available at http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/ornamental_production/index.shtml
If you would like to register for the event go to www.tiny.cc/weedwork
11/15/13
Ornamental Weed and Herbicide Workshop and Demonstration
Are you using the best herbicide for your weed problems? Are you having a problem with a particular weed? Are your employees applying your granular herbicide properly and not wasting it or applying it too lightly? Can you check to know the difference? If you would like to get better answers to these questions, join us for the Ornamental Weed and Herbicide Workshop. On December 12, 2013 at the Extension Office, UF/IFAS Tampa Bay Region Extension will be hosting a workshop for weeds in ornamental plants. We will look at weed ID for some serious new nursery pests and how to identify them. We will be looking at different strategies and cost of weed control. Resources will be mentioned to help with weed ID. We will also check out the preemergent herbicide demonstration trial. See what herbicides are working on what weeds. We have applied 18 different herbicides to compare with an untreated plot. We also have plots that were treated at 4 weeks and 8 weeks so you can see how long different herbicides are controlling weeds. We will also have a hands-on demonstration area for calibrating shaker cans to see how accurately we can apply herbicides.
Attendees will be treated to a lunch from Diamond R Fertilizer and up to 1 Core and 2 PVT, 2 L&O, 2 LL&O, 2 LCLM, 2 O&T for a total of three Pesticide CEUs. Bring your weeds for ID as well. Attendees must purchase tickets in advance for $35.00 or call Shawn Steed 813-744-5519 ext 54147. If you are a TBWG member, tickets are $15.00. There will be no same day registrations due to space constraints. If you have any special needs please call the Hillsborough County Extension Office 813-744-5519. Registration is available at www.tiny.cc/weedwork
Employer Wanted
A young man is looking for an entry level position in either nursery,landscape, or related industry work. He has transportation and a willingness to work. Please send Shawn an email (ststeed@ufl.edu) if you are looking for someone to fill a position.
10/31/13
NRCS Update
This just in from NRCS...
Conservation Assistance and Funding Applications Being Accepted Apply before November 15, 2013
GAINESVILLE, FL, October 31, 2013 — Now is the time for farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers to visit their local USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office to receive more information and apply for conservation technical assistance and possible funding opportunities.
NRCS offices across the country, including those in Florida, are resuming work with farmers and ranchers to implement conservation activities. All offices are open and are working to address the backlog of requests expediently.
“If you are interested in conservation assistance you should visit with our staff as soon as possible,” said Assistant State Conservationist for Financial Programs, Jeffrey Woods. “Our agency is able to proceed with implementation of several conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program.”
Florida NRCS has established November 15, 2013, as the application cutoff date for consideration for Federal Fiscal Year 2014 funds for these two programs.
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers who face threats to soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Through EQIP, NRCS develops contracts with agricultural producers to voluntarily implement conservation practices. Persons engaged in livestock or agricultural production and owners of non-industrial private forestland are eligible for the program.
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is available on Tribal and private agricultural lands and non-industrial private forest land. CSP encourages producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by undertaking additional conservation activities; and improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities.
Applications received after November 15th will be considered for future funding periods.
Authority to enroll acres in several other programs, including the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), expired on September 30, 2013, due to the expiration of the Farm Bill.
Additional information on NRCS, conservation assistance, and programs is available on its website at www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov or at your local USDA - NRCS office.
Polk County-Bartow Service Center, Polk SWCD 1700 Highway 17 South, Suite #2,Bartow, FL 33830-6633, (863) 533-2051/(863) 533-1884 (FAX) and Hillsborough County-Plant City Service Center, 201 S. Collins Street, Suite 202, Plant City, FL 33563-5531, 813-752-1474/(813) 759-6530 (FAX)
Endosulfan Phase-Out
The insecticide endosulfan, which can be labeled as Endosulfan, Thiodan, Drexel Endosulfan or Thionex®, has been undergoing a phase-out for end-users. The phase-out began on July 31, 2012 for many Florida crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, cucumber, lettuce, summer melon (cantaloupe and watermelon), summer squash, non-bearing and nursery stock citrus, collard greens, eggplant, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, strawberry, sweet potato, Christmas trees, and leatherleaf fern. July 31, 2012 was the last date of legal application to these crops, which have for the large part been harvested by 2013.
The use of this product is now illegal for all Florida crops except apple, blueberry, pepper, potato, pumpkin, sweet corn, tomato and winter squash. Floridian end-users are able to use endosulfan on these crops (apple, blueberry, pepper, potato, pumpkin, sweet corn, tomato and winter
squash) until December 31, 2014. If these same crops are grown in other states, endosulfan may be used in those states until July 31, 2015. Livestock ear tags and some vegetable crops grown for seed have an end-user date of July 31, 2016. Currently, there are tolerance expiration dates that are the same as the end-use date, leaving no time between a possible last application and the tolerance expiration. Under such circumstances, it is possible that a lawful application of endosulfan could result in residues in a crop for which the tolerance has been revoked. In the case of a lawful application, the product would not be in violation if the grower could provide written spray records demonstrating the application occurred before the end-use date. It is clear that if endosulfan is applied on a crop after the labeled expiration date, the applicator would be in violation even if the applicator is applying product purchased before the end-use date. In Florida, endosulfan may now only be applied to the crops whose use ends 12/31/2014. Posted in Chemically Speaking Oct. 2013.
10/15/13
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals
OSHA has revised its Hazard Communication Standard to align with the United Nations globally harmonized system of classification and labeling of chemicals. This will change the labeling elements of hazardous material labels and the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now called Safety Data Sheets(SDS), and the information the labels will contain. The revised standards require employers to train their employees by December 1, 2013. There are a set of required topics that employees must be trained in.
Training on label elements must include: product identifier, signal word, pictogram, hazard statement, precautionary statement(s), and chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer contact information.
Training on how an employee might use the labels in the workplace(e.g., to properly store the materials, or for first aid emergencies), and a general understanding of how the elements work together on a label (e.g., if a chemical has multiple hazards, different pictograms are used).
Training on the format of the SDS must include information on: standardized 16-section format, how the information on the label is related to the SDS. Remember that OSHA requires employers to present information in a manner and language that their employees can understand. OSHA has a website for more information and training materials to train your employees. You can visit http://www.osha.gov/dsg/hazcom/index.html
If you would like to participate in a training, Susan Haddock will be conducting classes here at the Extension Office for more information please visit her website. http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/prohort/index.shtml or call 813-744-5519.
Acerage Available to Farm in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County intends to enter into a Lease Agreement to maximize the potential of the Property located at the Hillsborough County Southeast County Landfill – 15960 County Road 672, Lithia, FL 33547 through agricultural use.
Agricultural use could include (but not be limited to) horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, forestry, livestock, poultry, pisciculture, aquaculture, sod farming, and/or other farming production. All proposed uses and activities of the property must be consistent with the current zoning requirements and be environmentally sound and sustainable.
The RFP can be viewed at the following website:
http://www.demandstar.com/supplier/bids/agency_inc/bid_list.asp?f=search&LP=BB&mi=1188433
The successful proposer will be responsible for any and all land/site preparation necessary to achieve the proposed agricultural use. Proposers should avoid any activities that require irrigation for freeze protection.
Mandatory pre-proposal meeting and site visit - October 16, 2013, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Meeting and site visit location:
Hillsborough County Southeast County Landfill
15960 County Road 672
Lithia, FL 33547
Phone: (813) 671-7077
Stephen Gran
9/25/13
'Explosive Ember' Peppers Needed for Research!
Does anyone know of a producer growing 'Explosive Ember' ornamental peppers? Dr. Hugh Smith has a graduate student at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center trying to find some finished plants for a research project. If you do, please give Shawn a call 813-744-5519 x 54147
9/23/13
Methods and Tools to Increase Nursery Production Efficiencies
Nursery production is a continual process of changing for the better. Growers consistently hope to improve the performance and thereby the profitability of their operations. Here is video offering some food for thought in the area of nursery production efficiency. In this video you will get a picture of what some operations are doing to increase efficiency and move their operations towards a more sustainable footing. Here is the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTUYCyyStBo
It's Great to Know a Gator Extension Agent!
Here is an opportunity that you might like to take advantage of. If you are in agriculture (if you are reading this blog post you probably are) then take a look at this deal...
The University Athletic Association, Inc. has partnered with RAM to offer the agriculture community as well as their family and friends, an opportunity to catch the Gator Football team in action Saturday, November 9th versus the Vanderbilt Commodores. Enjoy the Homecoming festivities at a special rate of $25 per ticket!
To take advantage of this special offer go to:
https://oss.ticketmaster.com/html/go.htmI?l=EN&t=gators&o=4282822&g=42 and type FARMER in the promo code box. Each customer will need to create a new account if they have not ordered through a Group Manager offer in the past in order to purchase. Customers will need an e-mail address to create a new account. Once you have placed your order you can print your tickets at home for free! No will call lines and no waiting for them to arrive in the mail!
Please feel free to forward this offer to your friends and family; the offer is only good for a limited time, so act now to secure your seats in The Swamp!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Gator Ticket Office at 352-375-4683 ext. 6800; we hope to see you at the game!
9/19/13
New Factsheets from UF
There are a few publications that have been recently updated and published from UF/IFAS. You can find them on EDIS our Electronic Data Information Source. These two articles will help you in producing quality plants with minimal waste. The first one is from Dr. Tom Yeager, entitiled "Nursery Irrigation System Checklist" This publication will help with some basic irrigation checks that you can perform to help optimize water for your plants. Remember that proper irrigation saves money and reduces pathogens. Proper irrigation will also insure that you are not leaching fertilizer out of the root zone. Here is the link. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep469
The second publication is a factsheet from the recently retired Dr. Jim Price and GCREC biologist Curtis Nagle "Pesticide Options for Important Insect, Mite, and Mollusk Pests of Commercial Flowers in Florida." This one will help with selecting proper control solutions for your pest problems. Always remember to rotate chemicals. Here is the link. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig162
You can find many more useful publications on EDIS just go to www.edis.ifas.ufl.edu
8/19/13
Water Supply Webinar for Central Florida
Water supply and quality are important topics nowadays and have far reaching impacts on how business is done. Here is an chance to see how water supply will be planned for through the Central Florida Water Initiative. If you are a Polk County grower I would encourage you to attend this webinar.
Interactive Webinar about Regional Water Supply Planning in Central Florida – August 29 at 1:30 p.m.
The St. Johns River, South Florida and Southwest Florida water management districts are working collaboratively with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and regional utilities to address near- and long-term water supply needs in the central Florida region.
Through the Central Florida Water Initiative, the agencies are engaging stakeholders in the development of a Regional Water Supply Plan for the area, which includes Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and southern Lake counties.
Webinar Agenda:
Overview of the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI)
Highlights of the regional water supply planning process
Question and answer session
You are invited to take part in this free webinar to learn more about the CFWI, find out how you can become involved in the regional water supply planning process and get your questions answered by a panel of CFWI experts.
Date: Thursday, August 29, 2013
Time: 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Visit: Polk-County.net/icast to join the webinar (no pre-registration is required)
For more information, please visit CFWIwater.com.
Webinar sponsored by Polk County Board of County Commissioners
8/16/13
FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional Training at HCC
Do you enjoy working outdoors? Do you like growing plants? Are you an existing professional in the nursery or landscape industry? Register today for the FCHP Training course! This course will enhance your knowledge of plant ID, soils, fertilizers, pests, pruning techniques, irrigation, BMP’s and safety. The FCHP course will also prepare you for the FCHP certification exam offered at the end of the course.
FCHP certification will increase your earning power in the horticulture industry by promoting professional commitment, knowledge, and skill among horticulture and closely associated professions. This certification may lead to better paying jobs and career advancement, and is the core for other FNGLA Certificates. Contact Sean Nordquist at HCC for more information. 813-757-2186.
Survey to Move Research Forward
I would like to invite you to take 2 minutes to take a survey to help benefit your operations by letting the Center for Applied Nursery Rersearch know what produciton or marketing issues you face in producing plants. Let them know what areas you would like research done to help solve these problems.
We need YOUR help getting grower input on a short online survey. The UGA Horticulture Department and Center for Applied Nursery Research ask growers from across the nation to take 2 minutes or less and fill out a 4 question - one page survey on the most pressing nursery industry needs pertaining to research. This is our growers opportunity to let us know what they need - so do not be shy!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DRWZ552
DEADLINE --- SEPTEMBER 10, 2013
If anyone wants a summary of responses, let me know and I will be happy to distribute.
Matthew Chappell, Asst. Professor & Ext. Horticulturist- Nursery Production
UGA Horticulture Department
211 Hoke Smith Building
Athens, GA 30602
Office Phone: 706-542-9044
Mobile Phone: 770-580-9715 (NEW!!!)
Skype: hortprod
E-mail: hortprod@uga.edu
8/5/13
IPM in the Nursery CEU
Would you like to earn one FDACS CEU for a private applicator pesticide license? Here is a link to our free, industry supported, UF/IFAS Hillsborough/Polk County Extension online CEU webpage. You can read an article about integrated pest management in the nursery and then click on the link to take the quiz. If you pass the quiz you will earn one CEU.
IPM in the Nursery
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is nothing new in horticutlure. As an extension agent I continually preach using the IPM approach to those who commercially grow plants. IPM is an effective way to reduce pests below economic injury while minimizing negative impact to the environment. Here is a link to a good video of different nursery growers using IPM in their opperation to reduce costs and pests. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvELHa5lx_c#at=71
7/18/13
FNGLA Tampa Chapter Past President and Summer Social
The Tampa Bay Chapter of FNGLA would like to invite all member and non-member landscapers, lawn maintenance, nurserymen, irrigation, lighting, horticulture and allied companies to join us for complimentary dinner and social as we honor our Past Presidents and confirm our new Board of Directors and Officers for 2013-2014. Come out have fun, socialize, and fellowship with your peers. When: August 1, 2013 6pm – 8pm Where: Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City RSVP: tampaFNGLA@gmail.com
7/12/13
FNGLA Tampa Chapter Youth College Scholarship
The FNGLA Tampa Chapter is now taking applications for the Carl F. Cowgill Youth Scholarship. If you know somebody who is a college student from Hillsborough County that is pursuing a degree that will lead to employment within the environmental horticulture industry, this scholarship would apply to them. This year, the FNGLA will award up to two scholarships based upon the merit and needs of the students. The FNGLA holds a plant auction at the Hillsborough County Fair and has a golf tournament to raise money for the scholarships. The deadline for application is July 15 (no exceptions). If awarded, the scholarship can be up to $500 depending upon available funds. If you would like an application please email me ststeed@ufl.edu
7/3/13
When Applying Pesticides Read the Label
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has suspended for six month compounds that have dinotefuran as the active ingredient pending an investigation of an estimated 50,000 bumble bee kill. According to Oregon news sources, the bees were killed as a result of an application made to blooming linden trees to control aphids. This is a good reminder for everyone to read the label completely before using a pesticide product. THE LABEL IS THE LAW! Here is an overview of some general pesticide guidelines to remember.
Use of any pesticide in any way that is not consistent with label directions and precautions is illegal. It may also be ineffective and dangerous. The basic steps in reducing pesticide risks are: Choose the form of pesticide best suited to your target site and the pest you want to control:
First, identify the problem correctly and then, choose the least-toxic pesticide that will achieve the results you want and be the least toxic to you and the environment.
When the words “broad-spectrum” appear on the label, this means the product is effective against a broad range of pests. If the label says “selective,” the product is effective against one or a few pests.
Read the label before buying the pesticide, read the label before mixing or using the pesticide each time, and read the label before storing or disposing of the pesticide.
Determining the right amount to purchase and use: do not assume that using more pesticide than the label recommends will do a better job. It won’t.
Find the signal word—either Danger, Warning, or Caution on the pesticide label. The signal word tells you how poisonous the product is to humans.
Choose the form of pesticide (aerosol, dust, bait, or other) best suited to your target site and the pest you want to control. Certain formulations work better for some pests and/or some target areas than others
Using the product safely and correctly:
o Never apply pesticides outdoors on a windy day (winds higher than 10 mph)
o Wear protective clothing, don’t smoke or eat
o Mix and apply only the amount you need
o Watch for negative effects on wildlife (birds, butterflies, and bees) in and near treated areas. If you see any unusual behavior, stop using that pesticide, and contact EPA’s Pesticide Incident Response Officer
Store and dispose of pesticides properly.
Follow all storage instructions on the pesticide label.
Always store pesticides in their original containers, complete with labels that list ingredients, directions for use, and first aid steps in case of accidental poisoning.
State and local laws regarding pesticide disposal may be stricter than the federal requirements on the label. Be sure to check with your state or local solid waste agency before disposing of your pesticide containers.
Use of any pesticide in any way that is not consistent with label directions and precautions is illegal. It may also be ineffective and dangerous. The basic steps in reducing pesticide risks are: Choose the form of pesticide best suited to your target site and the pest you want to control:
First, identify the problem correctly and then, choose the least-toxic pesticide that will achieve the results you want and be the least toxic to you and the environment.
When the words “broad-spectrum” appear on the label, this means the product is effective against a broad range of pests. If the label says “selective,” the product is effective against one or a few pests.
Read the label before buying the pesticide, read the label before mixing or using the pesticide each time, and read the label before storing or disposing of the pesticide.
Determining the right amount to purchase and use: do not assume that using more pesticide than the label recommends will do a better job. It won’t.
Find the signal word—either Danger, Warning, or Caution on the pesticide label. The signal word tells you how poisonous the product is to humans.
Choose the form of pesticide (aerosol, dust, bait, or other) best suited to your target site and the pest you want to control. Certain formulations work better for some pests and/or some target areas than others
Using the product safely and correctly:
o Never apply pesticides outdoors on a windy day (winds higher than 10 mph)
o Wear protective clothing, don’t smoke or eat
o Mix and apply only the amount you need
o Watch for negative effects on wildlife (birds, butterflies, and bees) in and near treated areas. If you see any unusual behavior, stop using that pesticide, and contact EPA’s Pesticide Incident Response Officer
Store and dispose of pesticides properly.
Follow all storage instructions on the pesticide label.
Always store pesticides in their original containers, complete with labels that list ingredients, directions for use, and first aid steps in case of accidental poisoning.
State and local laws regarding pesticide disposal may be stricter than the federal requirements on the label. Be sure to check with your state or local solid waste agency before disposing of your pesticide containers.
6/17/13
FNGLA Past President and Summer Social
The Tampa Bay Chapter of FNGLA would like to invite all member and non-member landscapers, lawn maintenance, nurserymen, irrigation, lighting, horticulture and allied companies to join us for complimentary dinner and social as we honor our Past Presidents and confirm our new Board of Directors and Officers for 2013-2014. Come out have fun, socialize, and fellowship with your peers.
When: August 1, 2013 6pm – 8pm
Where: Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Rd.
RSVP: tampaFNGLA@gmail.com
When: August 1, 2013 6pm – 8pm
Where: Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Rd.
RSVP: tampaFNGLA@gmail.com
6/13/13
Need More Plant Buyers?
How about shipping to Canada? Before you think that your products won't be wanted in Canada think again. Attention All Horticulture Companies!
Canada Horticulture Inbound Mission: September 18-24, 2013
SUSTA will bring importers from Canada to the United States and host one-on-one meetings for horticulture companies interested in exporting to this important market. SUSTA-region suppliers can choose to meet with buyers in either Orlando, FL; Nashville, TN or Annapolis, MD for a participation fee of only $20. Registration deadline is July 31, 2013. Visit SUSTA to register or for more information contact Marisol Alvares (marisol.alvares@freshfromflorida), Jon Frady (jon.frady@tn.gov) or Mark Powell (mark.powell@maryland.gov) .
6/12/13
CEU Day in Balm
For those of you who like to get your pesticide CEUs out of the way in one day; We've got the program for you. Attend the Great CEU Round Up at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Balm on July 10th at 8:30.
For the third year in a row, the FTGA has teamed up with the Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) to present The Great CEU Round-Up, a full day of education that will be simulcast to locations around Florida from the University of Florida, Gainesville via “PolyCom”. This year, The Round-Up will be held on July 10, from 8:30 AM EDT to 4:00 PM. Lunch is provided.
The Round-Up has been designed to award up to six CEU’s to attendees in some of the most difficult to attain subject areas, including aquatic weed control, natural areas, right-of-way and forestry, among others.
The pre-registration cost for the Great CEU Round-Up is $50 for Industry Professionals, $25 for Municipal Workers, and $10 for IFAS employees. Click here to pre-register or download the Agenda. On-site registration is available at a 50% premium (i.e. $75, $37.50 and $15 respectively).
Click here to register Great CEU Round Up Link
Topics and speakers include: Selecting the right adjuvant, Jay Ferrell; Integrating biological controls and herbicides, Jim Cuda; Why landscapes fail, Susan Haddock; Weed control in Florida’s waters and natural areas, Lyn Gettys; Managing herbicide applications against development of resistance, Bill Haller; and Herbicide injury from off target sprays, Peter Dittmar.
Here is a summary of CEUs for the day.
Category CEUs:
Private Applicator 5, Aerial 5, Ag Row Crop 4, Ag Tree Crop 4, Aquatic Weed Control 5, Forestry 5, Natural Areas Weed Management 5, Ornamental & Turf 5, Regulatory Pest Control 5, Right-of-Way 5, Limited Landscape Maintenance 5, Limited Lawn & Ornamental 5, Commercial Lawn & Ornamental 5, Total available for full-day participation 6
For the third year in a row, the FTGA has teamed up with the Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) to present The Great CEU Round-Up, a full day of education that will be simulcast to locations around Florida from the University of Florida, Gainesville via “PolyCom”. This year, The Round-Up will be held on July 10, from 8:30 AM EDT to 4:00 PM. Lunch is provided.
The Round-Up has been designed to award up to six CEU’s to attendees in some of the most difficult to attain subject areas, including aquatic weed control, natural areas, right-of-way and forestry, among others.
The pre-registration cost for the Great CEU Round-Up is $50 for Industry Professionals, $25 for Municipal Workers, and $10 for IFAS employees. Click here to pre-register or download the Agenda. On-site registration is available at a 50% premium (i.e. $75, $37.50 and $15 respectively).
Click here to register Great CEU Round Up Link
Topics and speakers include: Selecting the right adjuvant, Jay Ferrell; Integrating biological controls and herbicides, Jim Cuda; Why landscapes fail, Susan Haddock; Weed control in Florida’s waters and natural areas, Lyn Gettys; Managing herbicide applications against development of resistance, Bill Haller; and Herbicide injury from off target sprays, Peter Dittmar.
Here is a summary of CEUs for the day.
Category CEUs:
Private Applicator 5, Aerial 5, Ag Row Crop 4, Ag Tree Crop 4, Aquatic Weed Control 5, Forestry 5, Natural Areas Weed Management 5, Ornamental & Turf 5, Regulatory Pest Control 5, Right-of-Way 5, Limited Landscape Maintenance 5, Limited Lawn & Ornamental 5, Commercial Lawn & Ornamental 5, Total available for full-day participation 6
5/24/13
New Coleus Cultivars
Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides) is a great plant for the landscape in Florida. It is hardy in the summer and extremely visually attractive. In fact, at my stint at the FNGLA Floriculture Field Trial, many visitors to the garden picked coleus as one of their favorites.
The University of Florida Environmental Horticulture Department (Dr. David Clark) is releasing six new coleus cultivars (pictures above) through the Florida Foundation Seed Producers (FFSP) company. FFSP is now taking Intrest to Negotiate proposals to license these cultivars to get them into production. If your company is interested in submitting a proposal please click here for more information. http://ffsp.net/resources/ITN13-05-10.pdf
5/22/13
Polk County DIsaster Relief
This is in from the Small Business Administration for those affected by the drought between Mar12 and May 6, 2013. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions. Read the following announcement for more information.
Release Date: May 14, 2013 Contact: Michael Lampton
Release Number: 13-554, FL 13572 Email: Michael.Lampton@sba.gov
Phone: (404) 331-0333
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available in Florida
Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration for Drought
ATLANTA - The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in Florida as a result of the drought between March 12 and May 6, 2013.
The disaster declaration includes the following counties: Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Pasco, Polk and Sumter in Florida.
“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. With the exception of aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 2.875 percent for private non-profit organizations of all sizes and 4 percent for small businesses, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth,
Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than January 8, 2014.
Release Date: May 14, 2013 Contact: Michael Lampton
Release Number: 13-554, FL 13572 Email: Michael.Lampton@sba.gov
Phone: (404) 331-0333
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available in Florida
Following Secretary of Agriculture Disaster Declaration for Drought
ATLANTA - The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in Florida as a result of the drought between March 12 and May 6, 2013.
The disaster declaration includes the following counties: Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, Pasco, Polk and Sumter in Florida.
“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.
Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. With the exception of aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers. Nurseries are eligible to apply for economic injury disaster loans for losses caused by drought conditions.
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates of 2.875 percent for private non-profit organizations of all sizes and 4 percent for small businesses, with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. These working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth,
Completed loan applications must be returned to SBA no later than January 8, 2014.
4/26/13
Now FREE! Container Irrigation Workshop May 14th
Thanks to sponsorship from the Soil and Water Conservation District and the Tampa Chapter of the FNGLA the Regional Container Irrigation Workshop is now free!
Join us at J & R Nursery on May 14, 2013 at 3:00 pm for a Regional Nursery Irrigation Workshop and dinner. Cost is now free. Extension is bringing top experts to Hillsborough County to have a hands on irrigation event with 3 Private Applicator CEUs Available. Here is the agenda...
2:30-3:00 Mr. Shawn Steed-Check in and introduction.
3:00-4:30 Dr. Paul Fisher-Irrigation pH, EC, and biological components and how they negatively can affect plant growth.
4:30-4:45 Break refreshments (Check your water EC and pH, bring samples from your nursery).
4:45-6:15 Dr. Tom Yeager-Container irrigation practices to reduce plant problems and save costs.
6:15-6:30 Hands on Demonstrations (Station Rotations)
Mr. Ed Skvarch-Fertilizer leaching demonstration
Mr. Shawn Steed-2 to 1 substrate test for EC and pH.
Ms. Venessa Campoverde-Pour through method EC and pH tests
6:30-7:00 Ms. Jemy Hinton-Container irrigation BMPs-How to sign up? Why?
Mr. Guillermo Alverio-Mobile Irrigation Lab
SWFWMD-Cost share money for irrigation improvements.
7:00-8:00 Evaluations and Dinner
We will be in the field at a nursery so you can get hands on information to bring back and use. We will do irrigation water tests, you can schedule to sign up for the Best Management Practices, and you will find out how you can get SWFWMD money to improve your water delivery.
All participants must register by 5/12/13 by clicking this link http://nurserybmp.eventbrite.com
You may also register or ask questions by calling or emailing Shawn Steed (ststeed@ufl.edu 813-744-5519 x 54147)
Join us at J & R Nursery on May 14, 2013 at 3:00 pm for a Regional Nursery Irrigation Workshop and dinner. Cost is now free. Extension is bringing top experts to Hillsborough County to have a hands on irrigation event with 3 Private Applicator CEUs Available. Here is the agenda...
2:30-3:00 Mr. Shawn Steed-Check in and introduction.
3:00-4:30 Dr. Paul Fisher-Irrigation pH, EC, and biological components and how they negatively can affect plant growth.
4:30-4:45 Break refreshments (Check your water EC and pH, bring samples from your nursery).
4:45-6:15 Dr. Tom Yeager-Container irrigation practices to reduce plant problems and save costs.
6:15-6:30 Hands on Demonstrations (Station Rotations)
Mr. Ed Skvarch-Fertilizer leaching demonstration
Mr. Shawn Steed-2 to 1 substrate test for EC and pH.
Ms. Venessa Campoverde-Pour through method EC and pH tests
6:30-7:00 Ms. Jemy Hinton-Container irrigation BMPs-How to sign up? Why?
Mr. Guillermo Alverio-Mobile Irrigation Lab
SWFWMD-Cost share money for irrigation improvements.
7:00-8:00 Evaluations and Dinner
We will be in the field at a nursery so you can get hands on information to bring back and use. We will do irrigation water tests, you can schedule to sign up for the Best Management Practices, and you will find out how you can get SWFWMD money to improve your water delivery.
All participants must register by 5/12/13 by clicking this link http://nurserybmp.eventbrite.com
You may also register or ask questions by calling or emailing Shawn Steed (ststeed@ufl.edu 813-744-5519 x 54147)
4/19/13
FNGLA 4th Annual Golf Tournament
The Tampa Chapter of the FNGLA will be having The 4th Annual Golf Tournament at Fox Hollow again this year. The event raises money for student scholarships for students from our area studying environmental horticulture degrees. The money also provides for other youth horticulture and extension programs in our local area. If you enjoy golf and are in the environmental horticulture industry, and like to win great prizes, please consider having a great time and mingling with your peers.
Join us April 26, 2013, at Fox Hollow, New Port Richey
10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway
New Port Richey, FL 34655
4 Person Scramble.
Check in 11:00 - 12:30
Shotgun start 1:00 pm
Dinner to follow
Golf registration fee is $100 per person. Includes green and cart fees, range balls and banquet following tournament.
Deadline for registration and sponsorship is April 23, 2013
Regional Nursery Irrigation Workshop
Ever wondered about how good a job you are doing irrigating your nursery? Are you giving the plants the optimal amount of water for the best possible growth? Is there money out there to help you apply water more effectively or efficiently?
We hope to answer some of these questions and a few more...
How can you reduce the amount of water applied to your crops?
How can you save fertilizer and pesticide applications by irrigating effectively?
How much water should you apply?
How can you check your water quality?
Is your water quality affecting your plant health?
How do you know how much fertilizer is left in the container?
Is it time to apply more fertilizer?
Does your irrigation water contain pathogens that are limiting plant growth?
Join us at J & R Nursery on May 14, 2013 at 3:00 pm for a Regional Nursery Irrigation Workshop and dinner. Cost will be $15.00. Extension is bringing top experts to Hillsborough County to have a hands on irrigation event with 3 Private Applicator CEUs Available. Here is the agenda...
2:30-3:00 Mr. Shawn Steed-Check in and introduction.
3:00-4:30 Dr. Paul Fisher-Irrigation pH, EC, and biological components and how they negatively can affect plant growth.
4:30-4:45 Break refreshments (Check your water EC and pH, bring samples from your nursery).
4:45-6:15 Dr. Tom Yeager-Container irrigation practices to reduce plant problems and save costs.
6:15-6:30 Hands on Demonstrations (Station Rotations)
Mr. Ed Skvarch-Fertilizer leaching demonstration
Mr. Shawn Steed-2 to 1 substrate test for EC and pH.
Ms. Venessa Campoverde-Pour through method EC and pH tests
6:30-7:00 Ms. Jemy Hinton-Container irrigation BMPs-How to sign up? Why?
Mr. Guillermo Alverio-Mobile Irrigation Lab
SWFWMD-Cost share money for irrigation improvements.
7:00-8:00 Evaluations and Dinner
We will be in the field at a nursery so you can get hands on information to bring back and use. We will do irrigation water tests, you can schedule to sign up for the Best Management Practices, and you will find out how you can get SWFWMD money to improve your water delivery.
All participants must register by 5/12/13 by clicking this link http://nurserybmp.eventbrite.com
You may also register or ask questions by calling or emailing Shawn Steed (ststeed@ufl.edu 813-744-5519 x 54147)
3/14/13
New Factsheet in Spanish for Glyphosate Applications
I often visit nurseries and see glyphosate being applied over generously and wanted to help growers keep some of their chemical costs in their own pockets. We created a factsheet to help out with that problem. I also wanted to let the applicators understand the issue so we translated the factsheet into Spanish. Here are the two factsheets to help apply glyphosate correctly.
Proper Use and Handling in Plant Nurseries (English) edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep459
Uso Apropriado y Manipulacion de Glifosato en Viveros de Plantas (Spanish) edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep470
Uso Apropriado y Manipulacion de Glifosato en Viveros de Plantas (Spanish) edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep470
3/13/13
Gall Wasps on Live Oak Meeting
3/8/13
Oak Gall Wasp Meeting for Producers
2/8/13
Private and Core Pesticide Exam Training Course
My colleague and I will be putting on a study session for the Private Applicator License Exam. You can sign up via Eventbrite by clicking HERE. This is a way to review material if you need CEUs for your Private Applicator License (Core and Private applicator CEUs)
Here is the information.
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Private Applicator Training
Shawn Steed, Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS Polk and Hillsborough County Extension
9-9:20 Participants will receive a brief overview of pesticide licensing for private applicators including testing and renewal requirements to comply with Florida law regarding restricted use applications.
9:20- 10:00 Participants will learn the importance of pest identification, insect features and life cycles, the objectives and categories of available pest control measures (including host resistance, sanitation, biological, cultural mechanical, and chemical), and an overview of plant pathogens.
10-11 Participants will review weed classification and control measures. Participants will learn considerations when using soil fumigants such as soil conditions, application depth and dosage. Requirements to comply with Worker Protection Standard for workers and handlers will be covered including: notification and training, protection, mitigation and emergency assistance.
11-12 Participants will briefly review features of application equipment and finish with calibration calculations required to properly apply pesticides. Converting between feet and acres, finding percent solution, calculating gallons per acre and miles per hour, and the square footage of treatment area will be covered.
12-1 Break for lunch (lunch not provided)
1 p.m.- Private Applicator Exam will be administered concurrent to Core training
1-3 p.m. Core Exam Prep, Mary Beth Henry, Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS Polk County Extension
1-2 Participants will learn about the federal and state laws pertaining to pesticide applicators. Participants will learn how to find and use the information found on a pesticide label including information concerning personal protective equipment, environmental hazards, and storage and disposal information.
2-3 Participants will review safety practices to use when applying pesticides. Participants will learn important application considerations, such as when and how to use pesticides, to protect people and the environment. Participants will learn the principles of integrated pest management and pest control to make informed decisions regarding use of pest control measures and pesticides.
3:00-Core exam will be administered
About the license, materials, and more:
The Florida Private Applicator License is available only to private individuals applying pesticides to their own property or to property rented, leased to them or to their employer.
The Florida Private Applicator Certification Exam requires a passing grade (70%) on the Private Applicator Exam and a passing grade (70%) on the General Standards (CORE) Exam. This certification must be renewed every 4 years either by testing or with 8 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). 4 CEUs in each appropriate category: 4 CEUs in the CORE category and 4 CEUs in the Private Applicator category.
This session will give an overview of information covered by the exam and will pay particular attention to calculations necessary for proper application. Participants should expect to learn necessary information on their own by spending time with the study materials below and plan to use this exam prep to help pull the information together and focus the knowledge gained through independent study.
Note: in order to obtain the private applicator license both the Private Applicator and General Standards or Core exam must be passed.
CEUS for Renewal
CEUs will be applied for and will be posted when approved.
Lunch and Taking the Exam
Exams will be offered after a lunch break following the training. Lunch will not be provided and there are limited restaurants in the vicinity. Participants are advised to bring their lunch.
Participants may take either the Private or Core exam or both. Participants must bring a valid driver’s license in order to take an exam. Participants have up to three hours per exam.
There is no charge to take either of these exams. A fee will be required to obtain a license after passing- scoring at least 70% on both exams. The fee is $100. If the applicator already has a restricted use pesticide applicator license, there is not a charge to add a category. It takes about a month to get your score back through the mail. Scores may also be checked online at http://app1.flaes.org/ceu/.
Study Material
These study manuals are available from the IFAS Bookstore in Gainesville, either by ordering online or by calling 1-800-226-1764. Credit card orders should arrive in 4-5 days.
Applying Pesticides Correctly: A Guide for Pesticide Applicators (CORE) (SM-1). $20.00. Also called the "CORE Manual".
Private Applicator Pest Control Training Manual (SM-53). $10.00.
Here is the information.
9 a.m.-12 p.m. Private Applicator Training
Shawn Steed, Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS Polk and Hillsborough County Extension
9-9:20 Participants will receive a brief overview of pesticide licensing for private applicators including testing and renewal requirements to comply with Florida law regarding restricted use applications.
9:20- 10:00 Participants will learn the importance of pest identification, insect features and life cycles, the objectives and categories of available pest control measures (including host resistance, sanitation, biological, cultural mechanical, and chemical), and an overview of plant pathogens.
10-11 Participants will review weed classification and control measures. Participants will learn considerations when using soil fumigants such as soil conditions, application depth and dosage. Requirements to comply with Worker Protection Standard for workers and handlers will be covered including: notification and training, protection, mitigation and emergency assistance.
11-12 Participants will briefly review features of application equipment and finish with calibration calculations required to properly apply pesticides. Converting between feet and acres, finding percent solution, calculating gallons per acre and miles per hour, and the square footage of treatment area will be covered.
12-1 Break for lunch (lunch not provided)
1 p.m.- Private Applicator Exam will be administered concurrent to Core training
1-3 p.m. Core Exam Prep, Mary Beth Henry, Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS Polk County Extension
1-2 Participants will learn about the federal and state laws pertaining to pesticide applicators. Participants will learn how to find and use the information found on a pesticide label including information concerning personal protective equipment, environmental hazards, and storage and disposal information.
2-3 Participants will review safety practices to use when applying pesticides. Participants will learn important application considerations, such as when and how to use pesticides, to protect people and the environment. Participants will learn the principles of integrated pest management and pest control to make informed decisions regarding use of pest control measures and pesticides.
3:00-Core exam will be administered
About the license, materials, and more:
The Florida Private Applicator License is available only to private individuals applying pesticides to their own property or to property rented, leased to them or to their employer.
The Florida Private Applicator Certification Exam requires a passing grade (70%) on the Private Applicator Exam and a passing grade (70%) on the General Standards (CORE) Exam. This certification must be renewed every 4 years either by testing or with 8 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). 4 CEUs in each appropriate category: 4 CEUs in the CORE category and 4 CEUs in the Private Applicator category.
This session will give an overview of information covered by the exam and will pay particular attention to calculations necessary for proper application. Participants should expect to learn necessary information on their own by spending time with the study materials below and plan to use this exam prep to help pull the information together and focus the knowledge gained through independent study.
Note: in order to obtain the private applicator license both the Private Applicator and General Standards or Core exam must be passed.
CEUS for Renewal
CEUs will be applied for and will be posted when approved.
Lunch and Taking the Exam
Exams will be offered after a lunch break following the training. Lunch will not be provided and there are limited restaurants in the vicinity. Participants are advised to bring their lunch.
Participants may take either the Private or Core exam or both. Participants must bring a valid driver’s license in order to take an exam. Participants have up to three hours per exam.
There is no charge to take either of these exams. A fee will be required to obtain a license after passing- scoring at least 70% on both exams. The fee is $100. If the applicator already has a restricted use pesticide applicator license, there is not a charge to add a category. It takes about a month to get your score back through the mail. Scores may also be checked online at http://app1.flaes.org/ceu/.
Study Material
These study manuals are available from the IFAS Bookstore in Gainesville, either by ordering online or by calling 1-800-226-1764. Credit card orders should arrive in 4-5 days.
Applying Pesticides Correctly: A Guide for Pesticide Applicators (CORE) (SM-1). $20.00. Also called the "CORE Manual".
Private Applicator Pest Control Training Manual (SM-53). $10.00.
2/5/13
SWFWMD Opportunities for Growers
Here are some opportunities from SWFWMD to fund projects that will reduce water. These are great projects that will help to deliver water and nutrients in an effiecient and effective manner to help you save your natural and monetary resources.
Available for all Counties within the Southwest Florida Water Management District
75% Reimbursement up to a Maximum of $5,000
Items Eligible for Cost Share
Soil Moisture Probes/Tensiometers
Soil/Tissue Testing to Determine Fertilizer RecommendationsWater Table Observation Wells
Weather Station w/ET measurement
Data Logger/Telemetry Unit/Power Sources/Software
Culverts w/Riser Board Structures
EC/Salinity Measuring Devices or Equivalent Technologies
Surface Water Irrigation Pumps, Controls, Filtration, Infrastructure
Groundwater Irrigation Controls, Filtration, Infrastructure
Totalizing Flow Meters for Systems Not Required to Meter by WMD
Closed-Pipeline Water Delivery/Tailwater Recovery
Water Quality Test Kit
Petiole Sap Test
Soil pH Testing Kit
Permanent Fertigation Facility
Wetland Exclusion Fencing/Temporary Fencing for Denuded Areas
Other Approved Water Quality Improvement Projects
Other Approved Water Conservation Projects
Also there is funding for weather stations. Some restrictions apply...
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has established a cost-share program to help producers enrolled in FDACS BMPs purchase on-site weather stations and temperature sensors. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Producers who own operations with less than 300 acres of production land may apply for one station and up to five temperature sensors for each operation. Producers who own larger operations may apply for one station and up to five temperature sensors for each 300 acres of production land on the operation(s). FDACS will provide 75 percent of the cost up to a $25,000 maximum per producer, with a $5,000 cap per station/sensors set.
The stations will be installed by a company that agrees to meet the approved specifications, at the on-site location(s) the farmer designates. These weather stations will collect real-time information throughout the year on rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, dew point, wind speed, and wind direction. The information will be accessible to producers on their smartphones and computers, through a University of Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) website.
Why purchase a weather station? The use of weather stations helps producers:
• Better determine when to delay irrigation after rainfall and when to irrigate during frost/freeze events, which can reduce water use and save costs on pump operation.
• Better determine when to use fungicide or pesticide sprays or foliar fertilizer applications, which can avoid waste and save related costs.
• Enhance the potential for reducing the pumping of surface and ground water and the runoff and leaching of fertilizers and other farm chemicals into water resources.
FDACS Jessica Stempien (813) 985-7481
1/25/13
Ragweed parthenium
I have seen a relatively newer weed starting to line the sides of the road and have been seeing it popping up in nurseries; ragweed parthenium. This weed is very durable and I have personally seen it lose a few leaves after being sprayed with glyphosate and then bounce right back to reproductive health. It can grow in areas that are fertile or very inhospitable to plant life, like in the sandy roads between greenhouses. It is rather troublesome and is even a reported health problem. I have put together a factsheet and a slide set you can look at to get more information about this weed and it's control. Here is the link to the slide set. ragweed parthenium slideset
Here is a link to the factsheet. ragweed parthenium factsheet
What is a Boss Worth?
Is having a boss really worth it? Here is an interesting question you might have for your employees. The National Bureau of Economic Research looked at this question. In a research paper entitled "The Value of Bosses" (Lazear, et.al.)this question was probed. The researchers found that when they looked at a very large service oriented company, the daily average productivity for 23,878 workers matched to 1,940 bosses over five years, the researchers found significant differences in bosses' productivity between the best and worst bosses. The researchers found that the average boss adds 1.75 times as much output as the average worker. They also determined that teaching is the boss's number one role. Bosses are to help employees gain persistent skills that will increasing productivity. Motivating employees to better outcomes was secondary. To purchase the rest of the article here is a link. http://papers.nber.org/papers/w18317
1/22/13
Pesticide Safety Posters
If you would like to look at individual posters here is a list of them with their links.
Apply the Correct Amount http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN959
IPM: Beyond Spraying http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN928
Daily Personal Care http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN956
Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN958
Pest Control Vehicle Safety http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN963
Pesticide Emergencies http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN954
Pesticide Formulations http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN955
Pesticide Spill Control http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN961
Protecting Yourself http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN960
Triple Rinse Steps http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN962
Not all the poster apply to nursery setting and these are not the mandatory Worker Protection Standard poster but there might be some that you find useful for your employees. Click and take a look.
1/18/13
USDA Funding Available
I wanted to forward this information to you from the USDA on a few programs they have available to assist you on different initiatives. The initiatives are organic production, seasonal high tunnels, longleaf pine habitats, and on farm energy production. Read below for more information.
Additional Opportunity for Agricultural Assistance in Florida
Applications due by March 15, 2013
GAINESVILLE, FL., January 14, 2013--The 2008 Farm Bill was recently extended by Congress until September. This extension has allowed the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida to add an additional chance for producers to improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, and achieve other environmental benefits.
"Adding an additional ranking date is going to give more producers time to submit their applications and help them get started with implementing the practices they need to benefit the natural resources on their operations," said NRCS acting state conservationist Roney Gutierrez.
Interested producers should visit their local NRCS service center now to receive more information on the:
• Organic initiative--helps producers install conservation practices on USDA certified organic operations or those working toward organic certification.
• Seasonal high tunnel initiative--helps producers install high tunnels designed to extend the growing season, increase productivity, keep plants at a steady temperature and conserve water and energy.
• On-farm energy initiative--helps producers conserve energy on their operations.
• Longleaf pine initiative--helps private landowners improve the sustainability and profitability of Longleaf pine forest ecosystems.
They can then apply for conservation technical assistance and possible cost-share funding opportunities. Applications must be filed no later than March 15, 2013, to be eligible for this year’s funding.
Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, the March 15th date has been set to make FY 2013 funding decisions for these special initiatives. Producers may continue to apply for all funded programs throughout the year.
Additional information on NRCS, conservation assistance, and available programs can be found on this website: www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov or at your local USDA - NRCS office. To find the nearest office go to your telephone directory under “U. S. Government, Department of Agriculture”, or on the web at: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).
Additional Opportunity for Agricultural Assistance in Florida
Applications due by March 15, 2013
GAINESVILLE, FL., January 14, 2013--The 2008 Farm Bill was recently extended by Congress until September. This extension has allowed the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida to add an additional chance for producers to improve water and air quality, build healthier soil, improve forest lands, conserve energy, enhance organic operations, and achieve other environmental benefits.
"Adding an additional ranking date is going to give more producers time to submit their applications and help them get started with implementing the practices they need to benefit the natural resources on their operations," said NRCS acting state conservationist Roney Gutierrez.
Interested producers should visit their local NRCS service center now to receive more information on the:
• Organic initiative--helps producers install conservation practices on USDA certified organic operations or those working toward organic certification.
• Seasonal high tunnel initiative--helps producers install high tunnels designed to extend the growing season, increase productivity, keep plants at a steady temperature and conserve water and energy.
• On-farm energy initiative--helps producers conserve energy on their operations.
• Longleaf pine initiative--helps private landowners improve the sustainability and profitability of Longleaf pine forest ecosystems.
They can then apply for conservation technical assistance and possible cost-share funding opportunities. Applications must be filed no later than March 15, 2013, to be eligible for this year’s funding.
Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, the March 15th date has been set to make FY 2013 funding decisions for these special initiatives. Producers may continue to apply for all funded programs throughout the year.
Additional information on NRCS, conservation assistance, and available programs can be found on this website: www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov or at your local USDA - NRCS office. To find the nearest office go to your telephone directory under “U. S. Government, Department of Agriculture”, or on the web at: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.
##
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).
1/8/13
Vegetation in Runoff Ditches Reduce Contaminates
In an article by the Agriculture Research Service from the USDA, entitled "Drainage Ditch Research Reveals Opportunities for Cleaning Up Runoff" (published in the January 2013 issue of Agricultural Research magazine), research was conducted by Matt Moore on contaminates of atrazine, lambda-cyhalothrin and their movement in irrigation ditches. In one study he found that after one hour, ditch vegetation in a 160 foot section of ditch had removed 61% of the atrazine and 87% of the lambda-cyhalothrin to non-toxic levels at the end of the ditch. In another study of lambda-cyhalothrin and bifenthrin, (both pyrethroid pesticides). In only 3 hours 96 percent of the lambda-cyhalothrin and 99 percent of the bifenthrin were captured by the ditch vegetation.
This has also been proven for nutrients such as phosphorous and nitrogen. Ditch shape and the vegetation that grows there will make a difference in what gets absorbed. The amount of time in the ditch and the length of the ditch will be factors to consider as well.
To read more about some of the findings on this and other studies about pesticides and nutrients moving from fields into ditches you can click on the full article here. http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/jan13/ditch0113.htm
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